How To Sell A House
20 Tips from the Bagogloo Team
1. Make the Most of That First Impression
Never underestimate the importance of outward appearances - especially where your home is concerned. Potential buyers begin their decision-making process early, with their first glance at your property. A well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcomes prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
2. Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen ...If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, perhaps you might want to consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper in the kitchen or bathroom can add charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear you tell how great it could look, " with a little work."
3. Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discoloured sinks suggest faulty or worn out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.
4. Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closed doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward closing
5. Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps, rollerblades on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.
6. Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
7. Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
8. Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
9. Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colourful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
10. Open Up in the Daytime
Let the sun in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
11. Lighten Up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and out. When showing your home in the evening this adds colour and warmth, and makes prospects feel welcome.
12. Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company out of your home during these appointments.
13. Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favour. Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.
14. Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo and television.
15. Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
16. Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your homes' appearance, let your experienced RE/MAX Sales Associate handle the situation.
17. Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX Sales Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
18. Don't Turn Your Home Into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
19. Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to your RE/MAX Sales Associate ... they are the experienced experts.
20. Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Sales Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the RE/MAX office. You'll appreciate the results!
If you take the necessary steps to sell your home, you'll see the process is much smoother and stress-free.
